Women Who Choose Science: How Self-efficacy, Outcome Expectations, Barriers and Support Perceived Influence the Career Choice

Authors

  • Evelyn Carrasco Salazar Universidad San Sebastián
  • Daniela Valenzuela Vidal Universidad San Sebastián

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31619/caledu.n54.994

Keywords:

career choice, STEM, gender gaps, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, equity, content analysis, qualitative analysis content, content analysis components, interests, goals, contextual supports and barriers

Abstract

The aim of this research from an exploratory-descriptive approach, is to reveal the characteristics of self-efficacy, outcome expectations, barriers and support perceived by women who are studying their first year of Science and Technology (STEM) careers at universities in the Metropolitan Region of Chile. Through semi-structured interviews and qualitative content analysis based on the Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT), it was possible to identify three factors related to their career choice: personal, agency and contextual elements, which act by fostering or blocking the process. Despite choosing STEM careers, female students have doubts related to gender stereotypes and socio-emotional aspects such as anxiety and low tolerance to frustration. However, a positive self-efficacy and outcome expectations, family support and women´s student networks act as important drivers.

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Published

2021-07-30

Issue

No. 54 (2021): Revista Calidad en la Educación

Section

RESEARCH PAPERS

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